Grand Haven Mens Golf Assoc.

This story starts in a small southern town named Greenwood, SC on January 31, 1953. I am told it was a wintry cold day. Since that day I have never liked cold weather. Probably one of several reasons this story will end in warm sunny Florida. 1953 South Carolina was a different time and place in many ways. While my childhood was a happy one I remember vividly the not so happy challenges of growing up in a segregated south. Segregated schools, colored water fountains, and back door service at restaurants are part of my social DNA. But so are all day baseball games, backyard basketball and football. And, not flag football but no pads clothesline tackles. Playing under current NFL rules every kid in the neighborhood would have been suspended for the year. Ahh, how I miss a good old crack back block or you hit him low and I will take his head off. The good old days.

I managed to complete high school football with only a broken hand and a broken ankle. The broken ankle wiped out my sophomore year after playing in only 1 game. In retrospect probably not the worst thing to happen as it gave me time to focus more on academics. That year allowed me to pump up the GPA to withstand the following 2 years of college prep classes. I also lettered in varsity sports (football, basketball and track) those 2 years. Being named MVP Defensive Back my senior year and one of only 20 Outstanding Seniors in a class of 740. Although recruited, I was not offered a scholarship by any of the big football schools. So, I opted for Division II South Carolina State College as a walk on. Earned my scholarship at the end of my freshman year and was named MVP Defensive Back my sophomore year. It was also in my sophomore year that I realized pro football was probable not in my future. I had the misfortune of being assigned the one-on-one coverage responsibility for future hall of famer John Stallworth (Pittsburg Steelers) on a Saturday evening that indicated academics and a business career might be more feasible. I graduated in 1975 and began a successful career in corporate America.

My decision to attend SC State was a good one for many reasons. But none better than the fact that I met the lady who would complete my life. I met Sherra my sophomore year and her freshman year. We were wed in 1978 and enjoyed building a beautiful life together. From our union we have been blessed with two children, Chad (1981) and Jasmyn (1986). Chad is a graduate of The Ohio State University. Jasmyn graduated from Northwestern University and the University of Southern California Law School. Jasmyn is married to Doane Richardson and they have one son, Booker Clyde, who is the love of my life.

My career spanned 34 years in the human resources profession with national and global responsibilities. Twenty-two years were spent with Celanese/Hoechst Celanese (now Sanofi Aventis); eight years with KPMG, LLP; and the last four with ADP as VP, Chief Diversity Officer. Of all the assignments I had the privilege of filling, I enjoyed my time in labor relations. Always had to be on my game when working with the members of ACTWU along the New  River in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia.  Savvy negotiators with a dyed in the wool “union man” mentality.

After retiring from corporate at 56 I became an entrepreneur rather than an intrepreneur. I purchased a franchise providing broker consulting in the senior care space. I owned the marketing territorial rights to 13 counties in New Jersey. Developed the business over 5 years and sold it. After this I decided to retire from business.

My lovely wife was winding down her career at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ so in 2016 we began to turn our attention to full retirement. We had visited Palm Coast over the previous 10 years on vacation and various family trips. We enjoyed the laid back atmosphere and being near major metropolitan areas. We experienced warm friendly people and have family in Jacksonville. It is also a short drive to our family in South Carolina. We chose Grand Haven because of the availability of affordable housing near the ocean and the gated community with lots of social amenities. Since moving here in 2018 we have met many friendly and wonderful people within GH and the wider Palm Coast community. The GHMGA has been a great vehicle to meet so many good individuals. I enjoy the individual and team competition variety that is offered thru the weekly game. But, I particularly enjoy the individual games such as Chicago and best nine. Golf has become my passion. Unfortunately, I am not very good at it but I enjoy the comradery and friendly competition.

I am very proud of my faith and family. Seeing my son and daughter grow into mature professionals who give back to their communities makes me feel the most proud about my life. We have always taught them that to those who are given much, much is expected. To see them actively living out this teaching is fulfilling for me.